Kaminak Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kaminak Lake |
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 Kaminak Lake
Location in Nunavut
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| Location | Kivalliq Region, Nunavut |
| Coordinates | 62°8′N 95°6′W / 62.133°N 95.100°W |
| Primary inflows | Ferguson River |
| Primary outflows | Hudson Bay |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 40 mi (64 km) |
| Max. width | 1–22 mi (2–35 km) |
| Surface area | 600 km2 (230 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 53 m (174 ft) |
| Settlements | uninhabited |
Kaminak Lake (say it: KA-min-ak) is a large lake located in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. This lake is found in the sub-Arctic area. It is one of eleven lakes that are part of the Ferguson River system. All these lakes eventually flow into the northwestern part of Hudson Bay. The old settlement of Tavani is about 60 mi (97 km) to the east of Kaminak Lake.
Exploring Kaminak Lake's Location
Kaminak Lake is in a region of Canada where the ground is always frozen. This frozen ground is called permafrost. The lake is also part of a very old and stable section of the Earth's crust. This section is known as the Canadian Shield, which covers a large part of eastern and central Canada.
Minerals and Discoveries at Kaminak Lake
Around 1971, scientists from the Geological Survey of Canada studied many samples from the area. They found something unusual: higher than normal levels of mercury in the natural waters around Kaminak Lake.
This discovery was important for two reasons:
- It suggested that there might be other valuable minerals nearby.
- It was also important because people fished for food in Kaminak Lake.
Because of the mercury levels, the fishing activities were moved. In the mid-1970s, the Kaminak Lake fishery was moved further along the Ferguson River. It was relocated to Qamanirjuaq Lake (also known as "Kaminuriak Lake"). This new location did not have high mercury levels. Later, other companies explored the area and found gold near Kaminak Lake, even on an island within the lake itself!
Wildlife Around Kaminak Lake
Kaminak Lake is an important area for animals. It is part of the migration route for barren-ground caribou. These caribou travel long distances across the land, and Kaminak Lake is one of the places they pass through.
